28Adrian Peterson RB

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Vikings have had 'open dialogue' with Adrian Peterson

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

Vikings general manager Rick Spielman said Monday that the team has had "open dialogue" with running back Adrian Peterson since the NFL tabled his suspension and returned him to the special exempt list Thursday, the New York Times reports.

The Vikings were not allowed to have direct contract with Peterson while he was suspended, but U.S. District Judge David Doty overruled the arbitrator who denied his appeal, allowing the lines of communication to re-open between the player and team. Peterson spent much of the 2014 season on the exempt list while the child abuse case in which he was involved took its course in court.

Vikings running back Adrian Peterson released a statement Friday regarding Judge David Doty's decision to overturn arbitration decision to uphold his suspension, according to ProFootballTalk.com.

"I was pleased to learn about Judge Doty's decision. It is a positive step in protecting players' rights and preserving due process for all players. It also brings me one step closer to getting back on the football field and playing the sport I love. As I prepare for my return to football, I am still focused on my family and continue to work to become a better father every day. I want to express my gratitude for all of the support I have received from the fans, NFLPA, Jeffrey Kessler, and my agents Ben Dogra, Tracy Lartigue, and Mark Heligman from Relativity Sports."

"I've heard rumors, Arizona," Nelson said in a phone interview with the St. Paul Pioneer Press. "I've also heard the rumors of Indianapolis and the Colts, going there with a quarterback the caliber of (Andrew) Luck. I've also heard the Cowboys, coming back home with the Cowboys, behind that offensive line that they have.

"If a blockbuster deal opens and a team wants to gave them something they can't turn down, they're going to have to take a look at it," his father said.

Peterson ad been suspended by the NFL until April 15 and upheld by an arbitrator. On Thursday, U.S. District Judge David Doty overturned the arbitrator's decision, sending the case back down to go through the CBA. The NFL has removed the suspension, for now, while moving Peterson back to the Commissioner's Exempt list.

According to the report, the Vikings at this point aren't inclined to trade Peterson, though that may depend on his playing status for next season. The 30-year-old is set to make $12.75 million in 2015. Following Thursday's ruling, the team released the following statement:

"Adrian Peterson is an important member of the Minnesota Vikings, and our focus remains on welcoming him back when he is able to rejoin our organization."

Peterson had been suspended by the NFL until April 15 and upheld by an arbitrator. On Thursday, U.S. District Judge David Doty overturned the arbitrator's decision, sending the case back down to go through the CBA. The NFL has removed the suspension, for now, while moving Peterson back to the Commissioner's Exempt list.

Since the Vikings want Peterson to remain with them, they can now reach out and hold talks directly. While suspended by the NFL, the Vikings were unable to communicate with him. This is an interesting development because the Vikings have publicly stated they want him to stay in Minnesota.

The NFL will appeal the Thursday ruling that reversed an arbitrator's decision on Vikings running back Adrian Peterson's suspension until April 15.

U.S. District Judge David Doty ruled for the NFL to vacate the upheld suspension via arbitration, with the case going back to arbitrator Harold Henderson. Peterson pleaded no contest to reckless assault on his son, which originated with child abuse allegations.

"Judge Doty's order did not contain any determinations concerning the fairness of the appeals process under the CBA, including the commissioner's longstanding authority to appoint a designee to act as hearin officer," the statement reads. "Even so, we believe strongly that Judge Doty's order is incorrect and fundamentally at odds with well-established legal precedent governing the district court's role in reviewing arbitration decisions. As a result, we have filed a notice of appeal to have the ruling reviewed by the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. In the interim, Adrian Peterson will be returned to the Commissioner Exempt List pending further proceedings by appeals officer Harold Henderson or a determination by the Eighth Circuit Court."